​As we age, our musculoskeletal (MSK) system goes through changes, and can affect the health and function of the rest of the body. The Canadian Chiropractic Association reports that over 80% of seniors suffer from chronic pain, and over 25% are limited daily due to musculoskeletal issues.
 
Chiropractic care over the age of 65 can help prevent further problems caused by aging. Most importantly, it can make a big difference in mobility and general function. A 2013 study showed that chiropractic was beneficial to this age group for the following reasons:

• 87% of chiropractic patients 75 years or older described their heath as good to excellent, while only 67% of non-chiropractic patients felt the same.
• Senior chiropractic patients exercised more regularly and had fuller social lives.
• They also experienced fewer chronic conditions by 15%, fewer symptoms of arthritis by 22%, less time in nursing homes by 15%, and less time in hospitals in the last three years by 21%

​Overall, chiropractic patients over 65 have reported better general health, with less symptoms of arthritis. Additionally, they are likely to use less medication than their non-chiropractic peers, and exercise far more regularly. As a person ages, their spine, joints, ligaments, and muscles get weaker and become more susceptible to injury. Chiropractic can help prevent these stresses and improve flexibility for better range of motion.
 
If you’re a senior looking to improve mobility and overall health, chiropractic may be the perfect option for you. Let Dr. Sarah put together a treatment plan made specifically for your needs. Call 905 228 3130, or book your appointment online.
 
 
Sources:
Canadian Chiropractic Association
Rand Study
 

Headaches are a common occurrence, especially among adult women. In many cases, those who suffer from headaches will get them frequently – this is true for migraine headaches as well. While medications are often prescribed for those who get them on a regular basis, many people prefer to find alternative ways to get relief. And one such effective method is via chiropractic care.
 
There are many different causes when it comes to headaches, as well as different types of headaches. For some they can be caused by stress, bad posture, certain foods, and alcohol. For others, they just occur regularly with no known cause. In some cases however, they originate from the cervical spine and surrounding areas.

Chiropractic can be an effective treatment – during your initial appointment, your chiropractor can properly examine whether the pain is coming from spinal issues, the muscles, or other areas of the body. Once the source is found, a chiropractor will utilize spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, or another form of chiropractic to provide relief.
 
Another option for relieving the pain of headaches is acupuncture. By stimulating different points in the body, acupuncture can help to alleviate the headache pain right at its source. Often, a treatment that joins chiropractic methods and acupuncture can be beneficial to those who experience recurring headaches.
 
If you’re suffering from regular headaches or migraines, a visit with Dr. Sarah can help determine the cause and then a personalized treatment can be made to suit your specific needs and offer pain relief. To book your appointment with Bodylab, use our online form or call us at 905-228-3130.
 

Chances are you’ve heard a lot of things about chiropractors. Glowing reviews, people who swear by it, and then the negative comments that refute those who have seen positive results. At Bodylab, we’d like to set the record straight so you know what’s true and what isn’t. We’ve put together 5 chiropractic myths you’ve likely heard but shouldn’t listen to.

​1. Chiropractors crack your bonesChiropractors perform adjustments and spinal manipulation, but certainly no bones are cracked in process. It’s much like how people “crack” their knuckles – they aren’t actually cracking them, but there is a gas released by the slight opening of the joint that causes the popping sound. Adjustments don’t hurt at all; in fact, most patients find immediate pain relief.

2. If you go see the chiropractor once, you have to keep going foreverWhile it’s true that most people do continue to see a chiropractor after their initial appointment, it isn’t mandatory. The reason is simply that they experienced relief and general improvement, so why not continue? But if you visit a chiropractor once and feel better, you don’t have to go every week after that to ensure the improved feeling remains. Ultimately, that decision is up to you alone.

3. Chiropractic is bad for children and the elderlyAs we’ve outlined in a past blog post, chiropractic can actually be beneficial to children – and that goes for the elderly as well. The key is that the chiropractic technique needs to differ between different people. For example, the treatment for a 30 year old athlete would be completely different from the treatment for a 5 year old or even an 80 year old. Every body has different needs.

4. Chiropractic is only good for back problemsOf course chiropractic is often used to treat back problems, but it isn’t the only ailment that treatment can aid. Chiropractic care is beneficial for headaches/neck pain, shoulder injuries, sciatica, arthritis, joint issues, sports injuries, and much more.

5. Chiropractors are not actually doctorsAll doctors must complete rigorous training and testing in order to use to the “doctor” designation. Chiropractors are no different – in Canada Chiropractors are regulated, and must have fully completed their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. As all doctors do, Chiropractors are trained diagnosticians.
 
To start your customized chiropractic treatment plan with Dr. Sarah at Bodylab, contact us today or book your appointment online.

​From a young age, we’re told to sit up straight and walk tall to promote healthy spines and proper posture. Even so, many adults still have incorrect posture which often leads to back pain and recurring problems.
 
Unsure about your posture? Here are some helpful dos and don’ts that will have you walking tall:

​DO sit with your back straight and your legs firmly planted on the floor. If you’re at a desk, ensure that your arms sit at a 90 degree angle, and that your monitor is slightly higher than eye level to keep your head from pointing downward.
 
DON’T sit with your legs crossed, as this causes the spine to stay in a slightly bent position for long periods of time and can cause long-term issues. Additionally, this is bad for circulation in the legs.
 
DO keep shoulders back and chest out, with your chin forward. A good way to remember this is to imagine that there’s a string at the top of your head, pulling your spine, back, neck, and head upward.
 
DON’T sit with your wallet, phone, or anything else in your back pocket. This causes a shift in the spine to compensate for the extra space needed to sit comfortably. When done repeatedly, this can cause long-term, painful effects.
 
DO utilize the benefits of chiropractic to have adjustments made to the back and spine and correct any issues. Regular chiropractic can help keep posture straight, strong, and healthy.
 
DON’T sit for extended periods of time. Try to get out of your seat for a couple of minutes every hour or half hour. Stretch your muscles, take a walk, and remember the proper way to sit when you need to.
 
DO strengthen your core through yoga and pilates. These exercises are beneficial for not only keeping the body lean and fit, but also keeping the back and abdomen strong which is an asset to great posture.
 
To better improve posture, visit Bodylab for regular chiropractic or massage. That, in addition to the tips mentioned above, will make an impactful difference in your spine and back health. Call us at 905 228 3130 or use our online form to book your appointment.

​Of all the aches and pains a person can experience, lower back pain continues to be one of the most common complaints. From an occasional annoyance to a severe and debilitating issue, lower back pain affects all ages and lifestyles. There are a myriad of reasons for this particular type of pain – it can result from lifting heavy objects, an athletic injury, and even something as simple as incorrect posture and sitting too much. Studies show that the majority of Canadians will experience lower back pain in their lifetime, often as a recurring issue. But there are options that provide relief, and we’re here to help!
 
As you likely know, chiropractic is often used to relieve back problems, including lower back pain. With regular spinal manipulation, we can make improvements and provide relief where it is needed most. Increasing function and reducing pain are the focus of treatments, but long-term care is also an important aspect for chiropractic for lower back issues. For those with more serious problems, this pain and discomfort can continue to return for many years – with ongoing visits, we can help to ensure that your pain is minimized and that the issue is less frequent or eliminated all together.

Whether you’re suffering from lower back pain due to muscle strain, movement restriction, injured discs, or weak core muscles, there are options for relief. In some cases, minor pain can become a long-term injury without the proper care, so it is important to be proactive and make a chiropractic appointment if the pain persists for more than a few days.
 
A personalized treatment plan will target the exact area of discomfort and get to the root of the problem. Utilizing massage therapy along with chiropractic treatment is recommended, as the combination often provides further relief than chiropractic alone. Your Bodylab doctors will perform an assessment and find the options that suit your needs most. As each patient is different, so are the effects and causes of lower back problems. We’re here to work with you to achieve optimal health and movement.
Contact Dr. Sarah at Bodylab and get started on your road to recovery. Reach us by phone at 905-228-3130 or make an appointment via our online form.

​Athletes put their body through a lot of stress on a regular basis. As a result, strains, chronic pain, and recurrent injuries can often occur. When left untreated, these issues may become serious problems which can potentially mean the end of an athlete’s career.
 
One of the most effective ways of dealing with injuries caused by athletic movement is chiropractic care. Not only does it help with problems that are already apparent, it also can help to maximize performance. Here are a few ways that chiropractic is beneficial for athletes:

​Reduces Risk of Injury:  Regular chiropractic adjustments help keep the body properly aligned. When the body is out of alignment, there is more possibility for injury due to strength differences through the body and decreased range of motion. In addition, working the body’s soft tissue relieves tension and tight muscles, which are also main causes of athletic injuries.
 
Offers Prescription-Free Treatment: Numerous medications and sometimes invasive surgeries are prescribed for athletic injuries, and chiropractic care can help athletes recover without need for these other forms of treatment.
 
Pain & Injury Management: While chiropractic is used to prevent injuries, it can also shorten the amount of time needed to properly heal. During regular visits, your chiropractor will use specific techniques to deal with pain depending on your particular injury, and this will help to speed up recovery time.
 
Increased Performance: A high number of athletes, pro and otherwise, have credited chiropractic with increased performance. Muscle and joint conditioning, increased range of motion, and an aligned spine can help the body perform at its best.
 
At Bodylab, we specialize in recovery science for athletes. We utilize three stages to recovery: treating the symptoms, restoring function, and then maintaining function. Understanding the importance of flexibility and mobility in athletics is important, and we work to ensure that you are able to reach your optimal performance. Our doctors analyze posture, gait, muscular compensation, orthopeadic tests, radiographic imaging, and joint dysfunction to effectively diagnose each individual. If you’re looking for specialized treatments to enhance performance and prevent injury, we’re here to help – call us at 905 228 3130 or book an appointment online. 

​Dr. Sarah,
 
I have trouble with sciatica, and I’ve been told that a chiropractor can help me with it. Having never been to a chiropractor before, I wasn’t sure if this was true, or what I should expect. Is that my best option, or will something else work better?
 
- L.D.
 
 
Hi L.D.,
 
This is a great topic to get into, mainly because sciatica is a problem that unfortunately many people suffer from. For those who don’t know, sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve. This can cause mild to severe pain in the back, hips, and legs. In some instances, it can travel as far as the feet. Other common symptoms are numbness, burning, weakness, and difficulty moving.

​Treatment of sciatica can often include muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs, but these are only temporary steps that simply mask the painful symptoms. Chiropractic is an effective option, as it directly addresses the problem, which is the sciatic nerve. This is a non-invasive option, and doesn’t rely on painkillers and medication to mask the pain you are experiencing.
 
First, a functional assessment is done to determine that cause of the sciatica. From there, a personalized treatment plan is created to ensure that the problem itself is dealt with, and not just the symptoms.
 
While chiropractic is beneficial, one of the best ways to deal with sciatica is actually through acupuncture, which we also offer at our clinic. At Bodylab, we combine the traditional Chinese acupuncture methods with the scientific, neurological, and anatomical approach to the nervous system, to stimulate and create a balance. Acupuncture is a great option for sciatica for a number of reasons – it’s highly effective especially for pain relief, it is risk-free, and it is painless and won’t cause further discomfort.
 
That said, because sciatica manifests itself differently in each person who suffers from it, every treatment plan must be individual. For some, chiropractic is the best option; for others, acupuncture. In certain cases, a plan that utilizes both may prove to be most effective. We recommend that you book a consultation in our office so we can asses your specific needs and create the best treatment plan for you. With the proper care, we can find the root of your sciatica and work to fix the problem. 

​With so much of our lives revolving around communication via our mobile phones, it was inevitable that there would be consequences to our body. One such issue has been given the nickname “text neck” – this is used to describe the damage and potential pain from looking down at a cell phone too frequently, and for long periods of time.
 
Text neck doesn’t only affect the neck, despite its name. Looking down at our phones for extended periods can also cause headaches, shoulder and back pain, and discomfort in the arms and hands.
 
Do you suffer from text neck? There are some ways to help alleviate the strain. 

​Put Down the Phone: It’s important to take regular breaks from your cell phone. Set aside the phone, be less connected for a little while, and let your muscles relax.
 
Stretch your Body: During your phone breaks, it’s a good idea to stretch. Stretch your neck from side to side, practice a few neck rolls, and don’t forget to stretch your arms, hands, and throat.
 
Focus on Posture: Throughout your day, keep thinking about your posture and make adjustments as needed. Shoulders back, chest out, neck straight and head up. The more you get used to carrying yourself this way, the better your posture will be and it will become more natural for you.
 
Look up: If you just can’t put down the phone, try holding it higher whenever possible. Instead of constantly forcing your head down, hold the phone up to where your head naturally rests for less strain on the neck and shoulders.
 
Massage: Massage can be beneficial for those strained muscles in the neck, shoulders and arms. Use massage in conjunction with the items listed above for best results.
 
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments can focus on the many parts of the body affected by text neck and general device overuse. With a personalized treatment plan, your spine alignment can get back on track which will help prevent any further issues while relieving any current ones.
 
To help alleviate text neck and other strain and pain that comes along with it, book your appointment at Bodylab. We can treat it with massage, chiropractic, or a plan that incorporates both. Using all of these tips regularly, you can get a handle on text neck and the damage it causes to your body.